Prevalence of Umbilical Hernias by Computed Tomography.

INTRODUCTION: Umbilical hernias (UHs) are commonly underdiagnosed due to their asymptomatic presentation. The aim was to determine the prevalence of UHs by computed tomography (CT) in a trauma center, to assess the magnitude of their underdiagnosis. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was designed, using CT studies to evaluate the integrity of the abdominal wall. The images were obtained from consecutive cases of adult patients (≥18 y) from the database of the radiology and imaging service during a 4-mo period. The sociodemographic features, type of CT scan, and description of the abdominal wall were obtained and compared with the radiology report. In the case of UH presence, the transversal, cephalocaudal, and anteroposterior lengths, as well as its content, were registered. RESULTS: A total of 472 CT scans were included with a 67.6% (n = 319) prevalence of UH. These were most common in men (58.9%, n = 188/319), but women were more likely to have UH ≥ 10 mm (55%, n = 72/131). Of those with UH, 63.6% were unreported by radiology. The most common content was peritoneal fat (87.5%). UH had medians (interquartile range) of 9.1 mm (6.8, 12.5), 8.3 mm (6, 11.5), and 12.8 mm (8.6, 18.2) in its transversal, cephalocaudal, and anteroposterior lengths, respectively. Transversal length had a high positive correlation with cephalocaudal length (r = 0.877). This datum relationship can be explained by at least 76% due to this factor. Interobserver reliability analyses resulted in substantial reliability (ICC>0.85 and k > 0.85). CONCLUSIONS: CT is an effective imaging tool for diagnosing UH. There is a high prevalence among the general adult population, with a high radiologic underreporting.

Sound waves and solutions: Point-of-care ultrasonography for acute kidney injury in cirrhosis.

This article delves into the intricate challenges of acute kidney injury (AKI) in cirrhosis, a condition fraught with high morbidity and mortality. The complexities arise from distinguishing between various causes of AKI, particularly hemodynamic AKI, in cirrhotic patients, who experience hemodynamic changes due to portal hypertension. The term "hepatocardiorenal syndrome" is introduced to encapsulate the intricate interplay among the liver, heart, and kidneys. The narrative emphasizes the often-overlooked aspect of cardiac function in AKI assessments in cirrhosis, unveiling the prevalence of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy marked by impaired diastolic function. The conventional empiric approach involving volume expansion and vasopressors for hepatorenal syndrome is critically analyzed, highlighting potential risks and variable patient responses. We advocate for a nuanced algorithm for AKI evaluation in cirrhosis, prominently featuring point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS). POCUS applications encompass assessing fluid tolerance, detecting venous congestion, and evaluating cardiac function.

Navigating the controversy regarding antibiotic prophylaxis in acute variceal bleeding.

Antibiotic prophylaxis in patients with cirrhosis and acute variceal bleeding is part of the standard of care according to most clinical guidelines. However, with recent evidence arguing against antibiotic prophylaxis, the role of this intervention has become less clear.

Liver transplantation in Latin America: reality and challenges.

Healthcare systems in Latin America are broadly heterogeneous, but all of them are burdened by a dramatic rise in liver disease. Some challenges that these countries face include an increase in patients requiring a transplant, insufficient rates of organ donation, delayed referral, and inequitable or suboptimal access to liver transplant programs and post-transplant care. This could be improved by expanding the donor pool through the implementation of education programs for citizens and referring physicians, as well as the inclusion of extended criteria donors, living donors and split liver transplantation. Addressing these shortcomings will require national shifts aimed at improving infrastructure, increasing awareness of organ donation, training medical personnel, and providing equitable access to care for all patients.

Assessment of burnout syndrome and associated factors among medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: Overwhelming requirements, a high degree of work, and prolonged exposure to emotionally demanding circumstances in work and life settings can lead to burnout syndrome. The purpose of the study is to assess burnout syndrome and its associated factors among medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional, prospective, descriptive study was conducted in a Mexican medical school during the last week of the spring semester of 2021 using the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Survey (MBI-SS) and an associated factors survey. Results: Based on the MBI-SS definition, most students (54.2%, n = 332) had burnout symptoms and high emotional exhaustion (79.6%, n = 448), high cynicism (57.3%, n = 351), and low academic effectiveness (36.4%, n = 223). After adjusting the associated factors, a significant correlation between the school year and the presence of burnout was identified (OR 1.127, 95% CI [1.023-1.241], p<0.05). Regarding the current pandemic, the death of a family member by COVID-19 also put students at risk of developing burnout (OR 1.598*, 95% CI [1.080-2.363, p<0.05]). Limitations: The main limitation of this study was the lack of a control group (before the pandemic); therefore, the high prevalence of burnout can only be hypothesized due to the pandemic but cannot be objectively evidenced. A prospective study after the pandemic is needed to resolve this question. Conclusion: The coronavirus pandemic represents a challenge to the academic and psychological stability of students. It essential to continue assessing burnout levels in medical students and the general population to treat them in time and improve mental health.

Payment with knowledge: A method for a training of anatomy near-peer teachers and formation of future anatomists.

Near-peer teaching has been widely implemented in medical schools and the benefits for the near-peer teachers (NPTs), the students, and the institution have been well documented. However, NPT training methods and perceptions of such have been limited. A four-year clinical anatomy and surgical training program was established (est. 2019) as part of the continuous training timeline for NPTs (n > 60 total) formation at the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, in Mexico. The program provides various training courses for the NPTs according to their hierarchy, including teaching skills, professional development, psychosocial aspects, and career objectives. A "Clinical Anatomy and Surgical Training Diploma" was planned with 12 modules to aid in developing these abilities, along with a higher understanding of clinical anatomy shared by expert clinical specialists, and diverse clinical and surgical skills such as suturing, catheterization, and basic surgical procedures. The program has a completion rate of approximately 15 NPTs/year. All, while creating an environment with a sense of belonging, and facilitating mentorship between fellow NPTs and educators. Near-peer teachers develop leadership, communication, and teaching skills. The program has provided a constant source of anatomy educators, avoiding any shortage.

Factors Influencing Scientific Achievements of Medical Students in the Anatomy Research Group: An Analysis From the Autonomous University of Nuevo León in Mexico.

Scientific research and student involvement are critical to the formation of physicians, yet the number of medical researchers has decreased over time. To implement corrective strategies, the variables associated with positive research attitudes and productivity among medical students must be identified. The aim of this study was to evaluate the variables associated with students interested or involved in research. A validated questionnaire was applied to the student members of an established anatomy research group in a Mexican medical school with a six-year medical program. Data were collected and analyzed. A total of 85.5% (n = 77/90) students answered the survey with most respondents being second-year medical students. The majority of respondents indicated that the important component of conducting research was a contribution to the new knowledge (45.5%) and to the scientific community (42.9%). More than half of respondents mentioned a professor or a peer as the initial motivation to become involved in research. Lack of time was the main limitation (59.7%) to research involvement. Perceived benefits were knowledge and team work skills. Of those involved, most (85.7%) wished to continue participating in research as a complement to their clinical work. Professors and student colleagues were found to play an important motivational and recruitment role for medical research. These efforts in turn have developed into long-lasting mentor-mentee relationships. Students also anticipated that early involvement in research will positively influence the likelihood of future physicians' contribution and collaboration in research.

Comparison of suturing models: the effect on perception of basic surgical skills.

BACKGROUND: Acquisition of Basic Surgical Skills (BSS) are essential for medical students. The objective was to determine it's fidelity impact. METHODS: Using four suturing models (SM) (pigskin, sponge, commercial pad, and orange), SM-quality and student-SM interaction were evaluated. After a 1-h class, participants were divided into groups and randomly assigned exercises in SM in 15-min intervals. The experiment included completing three individual simple stitches and a 3-stitch continuous suture in each SM. RESULTS: Eighty-two medical students participated. Suturing quality was better in pigskin and sponge, which were also the preferred models (p < 0.001). Significant differences in quality between the insertion and exit point, and firmness of knots (p < 0.05) in both simple and continuous sutures, as well as between length and distance in continuous ones (p < 0.001) were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Acquisition and quality of BSS are influenced by the intrinsic characteristics of SM. An adequate degree of resistance, consistency, and elasticity are necessary.

Lower Frequency of Call Shifts Leads to Higher Attendance, Higher Academic Performance, and Less Burnout Syndrome in Surgical Clerkships.

OBJECTIVE: Clinical clerkships are a fundamental component of medical education where students' learning is aided by exposure to real patients in diverse practical settings. Countless programs use overnight call shifts as an essential part of their clerkships. There has been concerns about the negative effects these shifts have on students. The study aims to determine relations between call schedule, lecture attendance, and academic and clinical performance. METHODS: One hundred and eight medical students were followed during their surgery clerkship. Students on a Q3 schedule had an on-call shift once every 3 nights, while students on a Q4 schedule once every 4 nights. Their academic performance was evaluated using their exams grades, while their clinical performance was evaluated by their attending physicians. Burnout syndrome was measured using Maslach Inventory. RESULTS: A total of 108 medical students attended their surgical clerkship. Sixty-nine students were under the Q3 call schedule while 39 students in the Q4 call schedule. Mean lecture attendance for students in Q3 was 82.7% (17.3%) compared to 90% (11.2%) (p = 0.020). Final exam grades were different between groups, with Q3 scoring a mean 71.55 (9.3) compared to Q4 85.07 (9.8) (p = 0.001). Clinical performance score means were similar between groups (p = 0.777). Q4 had 74% and Q3 had 49.3% of the students with >90% of attendance (p = 0.008). Q4 had 2.6% students with <70% attendance compared to Q3 with 23.2% (p = 0.008). Students with >90% attendance regardless of call schedule, scored higher in both midterms and final exams (p = 0.002; p = 0.001). Burnout prevalence was higher in students on the Q3 schedule with 28.6% compared to 4.7% of those on the Q4 schedule (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Students with less call frequency were associated with an improvement in lecture attendance and academic performance, and a lower burnout syndrome rate, without impacting clinical performance. Students with higher attendance regardless of call schedules performed higher academically. Further studies should evaluate the impact on clinical performance and exposure more thoroughly.

Gynecological influencing factors on the rectovaginal septum's morphology.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The objective was to determine the mean morphometric characteristics of the rectovaginal septum (RVS) and its variations in correlation with the number of pregnancies, method of delivery, parity, and estrogenic exposure. METHODS: An observational, cross-sectional, retrospective, descriptive, and comparative study was carried out. Pelvic MRI of Hispanic women (≥15 years of age) from the northeast of Mexico were obtained. Age and obstetric and gynecological history were registered and the sample women were categorized by their variables. Length and thickness measurements were standardized. RESULTS: A total of 102 MRI studies were included, with a mean age of 41; 24.5% were nulligravida, the rest primi- or multigravida. Vaginal delivery was the most common type (49.35%), 16.88% had a cesarean section, and 31.17% had mixed delivery. 74.5% of the women were premenopausal. The mean RVS length was 73.2 ± 15.3 mm, with a thickness of 2.8 ± 1.7, 2.2 ± 1.2, and 2.5 ± 1.3 mm for the upper, middle, and lower thirds respectively. There were tendencies to increase the length of the RVS, and the thickness of the upper and middle thirds in the non-pregnancy and the at-least-one-pregnancy groups; to increase the length and middle-third thickness in those with mixed delivery, and increased upper- and lower-third thickness in those with only a cesarean section. Multiparous women with vaginal delivery had significantly longer and thicker RVS than primiparous. Premenopausal women had significantly longer RVS with a tendency to lose thickness toward postmenopause. CONCLUSIONS: The morphology of RVS can be modified by different factors such as age, number of pregnancies, number of births, and estrogenic exposure. This structure should be evaluated and taken into account in preoperative management and surgical technique planning.

Polymorphic eruption of pregnancy in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Currently, the exact incidence of Polymorphic Eruption of Pregnancy (PEP) in the Mexican population is unknown. PEP tends to manifest in the abdomen, primarily in the stretch marks caused by distension. It is characterized by severely pruritic urticarial-like papules that converge in plaques, extending to the buttocks and proximal thighs. Our study determined its incidence, along with other common dermatoses in pregnancy. METHODS: Patients between 14 and 45 years of age were evaluated. In each patient, a complete medical history and physical examination was performed with emphasis on skin and adnexa. Patients were followed until the end of their pregnancy. RESULTS: A total of 217 women were included. PEP was identified in three patients (1.38%), all primigravida, with single fetus pregnancy, and all concluded their pregnancy by vaginal delivery. The neonates were 2 females and 1 male. No other gestational pathologies were identified. CONCLUSIONS: We identified a higher incidence of PEP than reported, without association to complications or need for medical management. There may be an association between high maternal weight and the presence of PEP, however a larger sample is needed.

[Perfil de expresión de Ki67 en lesiones melanocíticas palmoplantares: estudio de casos y controles]. / Expression profile of Ki67 in palmoplantar melanocytic lesions: a case-control study.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El melanoma acral lentiginoso es una neoplasia maligna que afecta a población predominantemente no caucásica. Debido al diagnóstico tardío suele tener mal pronóstico, además de que se considera una neoplasia biológicamente más agresiva, incluso cuando se detecta tempranamente. OBJETIVO: Determinar la expresión de Ki67 en el melanoma acral lentiginoso invasor y compararla con los nevos acrales. MÉTODO: Estudio transversal, descriptivo, observacional. Se realizó inmunohistoquímica con marcador Ki67 en 17 biopsias de melanoma acral lentiginoso invasor (casos) y 17 biopsias de nevos palmoplantares (controles). Se determinó la expresión nuclear de Ki-67 y se comparó entre ambos grupos. RESULTADOS: La media de expresión de Ki67 fue del 8.5% en el grupo control y del 34% en el grupo de melanomas, siendo esta diferencia estadísticamente significativa (p < 0.0001). DISCUSIÓN: La expresión de Ki67 en los melanomas acrales es considerablemente mayor que en los nevos acrales. El valor pronóstico del marcador Ki67 sigue siendo considerado controversial. Sin embargo, hay estudios en los que en combinación con otros marcadores se refuerza su valor pronóstico. CONCLUSIONES: Por la gran diferencia en inmunorreactividad de Ki67 entre melanomas y nevos, la expresión de Ki67, referida como índice proliferativo, podría ser considerada como factor pronóstico incluso más objetivo que el índice mitótico. BACKGROUND: Acral lentiginous melanoma is a malignant neoplasm which appears in hands and feet. Acral lentiginous melanoma has an unclear etiology, and usually affects non-Caucasian population. Because it is frequently diagnosed lately, acral melanoma has bad prognosis; however, it is biologically more aggressive than other clinicopathological types of melanoma, even when diagnosed early. OBJECTIVE: To determine the expression of Ki67 in invasive lentiginous acral melanoma and to compare it with acral nevi. METHOD: Cross-sectional, descriptive, observational study. Immunohistochemistry with Ki67 marker was performed on 17 biopsies of invasive lentiginous acral melanoma (cases) and 17 biopsies of palmoplantar nevi (controls). Nuclear expression of Ki-67 was determined and both were compared between both groups. RESULTS: The mean expression of Ki67 was 8.5% in the control group, and 34% in the melanoma group, which was statistically significant (p < 0.0001). DISCUSSION: Ki67 expression in acral lentiginous melanomas is higher than in acral nevi. Prognostic value of Ki67 is still considered controversial. However, there are several studies where, in combination with other markers, their prognostic value is reinforced. CONCLUSIONS: Due to the wide gap in Ki67 expression between melanomas and nevi showed in this study, Ki67 expression, referred to as a proliferative index, could be considered as a prognostic factor even more objective than the mitotic index.

Human Umbilical Vessels: Choosing the Optimal Decellularization Method.

There is an increasing demand of small-diameter vascular grafts for treatment of circulatory pathologies. Decellularization offers the possibility of using human blood vessels as scaffolds to create vascular grafts. Umbilical vessels have great potential because of their availability and morphological characteristics. Various decellularization techniques have been used in umbilical vessels, but consensus on which is the most appropriate has not yet been reached. The objective of this review is to analyze the morphological and biomechanical characteristics of decellularized human umbilical arteries and veins with different techniques. Evidence indicates that the umbilical vessels are a viable option to develop small-diameter vascular grafts. Detergents are the agents most often used and with most evidence. However, further studies are needed to accurately analyze the components of the extracellular matrix and biomechanical characteristics, as well as the capacity for recellularization and in vivo functionality.

Willingness toward organ and body donation among anatomy professors and students in Mexico.

Most anatomists agree that cadaver dissection serves as a superior teaching tool in human anatomy education. However, attitudes toward body donation vary widely between different individuals. A questionnaire was developed to determine the attitudes toward body and organ donation among those who learn the most from cadavers: medical students, medical student teaching assistants, medical students involved in research, and anatomy professors. A cross-sectional, prospective study was designed in which the questionnaire was distributed among first-year human anatomy students before undertaking cadaver dissection at the beginning of the semester, and then again after a commemoration service at the end of the course. The questionnaire items included demographic data, as well as questions designed to characterize participants' attitudes regarding body/organ donation from strangers, family members, and whether participants would consider such practices with their own bodies. Out of a total of 517 students enrolled in the Human Anatomy course in the Medical School at the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Mexico during January to June 2016, 95% responded to the first (491) and second (490) surveys. Participants' opinions on their own organ donation was similar before and after exposure to cadaver dissection, with between 87% and 81% in favor of such practices, and only 3% against it, in both surveys. Participants' willingness to donate their own bodies, as well as those of family members, increased, while reluctance regarding such practices decreased by half (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.05). Professors had the highest rates of positive opinions regarding their own body donation (74.9%), with 18.8% undecided. Low opposition toward organ and body donation remains prevalent among both anatomists and physicians in training in Mexico. Anat Sci Educ 10: 589-597. © 2017 American Association of Anatomists.

Pelvimetry by reformatted computed tomography in 290 female pelvis: morphometric variations regarding age / Pelvimetría mediante tomografía computadorizada reformada sobre 290 pelvis femeninas: variaciones morfométricas de acuerdo a la edad

The Mexican government passed a new reform of article 11 of the General Law in 2014 regarding Women's Access to a Life Free of Violence, which states that a cesarean section may not be performed if a vaginal birth is viable. Cesarean sections are excessively indicated in Northen Mexico, using the diagnosis of cephalopelvic disproportion due to a narrow pelvis. Currently, there is no standardized morphometry of the female pelvis in a Mexican population to establish adequate diagnostic parameter. Our study measures the pelvic diameters of the birth canal using abdominopelvic computed tomography (CT). Two hundred and ninety CT from Mexican women between the ages of 18 and 50 were collected and 3D reformatted in order to morphologically measure the pelvic diameters of clinical relevance. Measurements were conducted by two diagnostic imaging specialists. The mean and standard deviation of the measured diameters were: anatomical conjugate diameter (ACD) 11.65±0.99 cm, the obstetric conjugate diameter (OCD) 11.73±0.98 cm, diagonal conjugate diameter (DCD) 12.49±0.98 cm and Interspinous distance (ISD) 10.41±0.78 cm. Significant differences were found in all four mean diameters in between the 20­29 age groups versus the >40, as well as between the 30­39 groups versus the >40. Our study shows that as Mexican women get older, the mean pelvic diameters become narrower.

El Gobierno mexicano aprobó una nueva reforma del artículo 11 de la Ley General del 2014, relativa al acceso de las mujeres a una Vida Libre de Violencia, que establece que una cesárea no se puede realizar si un parto vaginal es viable. Los partos por cesárea son indicados excesivamente en el norte de Mexico, con el diagnóstico de desproporción céfalo-pélvica debido a una estrechez de la pelvis. Actualmente, no existe una morfometría estandarizada de la pelvis femenina en una población mexicana para establecer parámetros de diagnóstico adecuado. Nuestro estudio mide los diámetros pélvicos del canal de parto mediante tomografía compudotarizada (TC) abdomino-pélvica. Se usaron 290 TC de mujeres mexicanas entre 18 y 50 años, los que fueron reformateados en 3D para medir morfológicamente los diámetros pélvicos de relevancia clínica. Las mediciones fueron realizadas por dos especialistas en diagnóstico por imagen. La Media y DE de los diámetros medidos fueron: diámetro anatómico conjugado (DAC) 11,65±0,99 cm, diámetro obstétrico conjugado (DOC) 11,73±0,98 cm, diámetro diagonal conjugado (DDC) 12,49±0,98 cm y distancia interespinosa (DIE) 10,41±0,78 cm. Se encontraron diferencias significativas en las Medias de los cuatro diámetros entre los grupos de 20­29 años de edad frente a las >40 años, así como entre los grupos de 30­39 años frente a los >40 años. Nuestro estudio muestra que a medida que las mujeres mexicanas avanzan en edad, los diámetros pélvicos medios son más estrechos.

Morphological Analysis of Major Segments of Coronary Artery Occlusion: Importance in Myocardial Revascularization Surgery / Análisis Morfológico de los Principales Segmentos de Oclusión de las Arterias Coronarias: Importancia en la Cirugía de Revascularización Miocárdiaca

Revascularization surgery should ensure morphological similarity between the coronary artery and the graft. This is an important factor for its duration and permeability. The aim of this study was to analyze the morphological characteristics and morphometrics of the coronary artery segments with greater occlusion. This was an observational, cross-sectional descriptive study that consisted of two phases. A macroscopic phase in which 11 cadaveric hearts were extracted and coronary dominance and length of the anterior interventricular artery (AIA), the right coronary artery (RCA) and the circumflex artery (CXA) were determined. In the microscopic phase a total of 77 segments of these arteries were obtained and the luminal diameter, wall thickness, and amount of elastic fibers and the presence and size of the atheroma were determined. Right coronary dominance was the most frequent. Total vessel length was 15.65±1.17 cm for the AIA, 12.67±2.02 cm for the RCA and 8.79±2.5 cm for the CXA. Diameters ranged from 2.3 mm in the proximal segments and between 1.1 mm to 1.8 mm in the distal segments. Wall thickness in the proximal segments was between 354 µm and 396 µm and in the distal segments it ranged from 120 µm to 305 µm. The amount of elastic fibers showed that they were muscular arteries. Atheromas were present in 35% in the CXA, and in 32.5% in the AIA and the RCA. The largest ones were found in the proximal segments. This study examined the morphology and morphometry of the segments of the coronary arteries that are more frequently occluded. It provides information on the most significant parameters to be considered for election of the vascular graft in myocardial revascularization surgery.

En la cirugía de revascularización miocárdica se debe asegurar la similitud morfológica entre la arteria coronaria y el injerto. Esto es un factor importante en su duración y permeabilidad. El objetivo fue analizar las características morfológicas y morfométricas de los segmentos de mayor oclusión de las arterias coronarias. Estudio observacional, transversal y descriptivo que constó de dos fases. Una macroscópica en la que se extrajeron 11 corazones de cadáveres y se determinó la dominancia coronaria y longitud de la arteria interventricular anterior (AIA), la arteria coronaria derecha (ACD) y la arteria circunfleja (ACX). En la fase microscópica se obtuvo un total de 77 segmentos de estas arterias y se determinó el diámetro luminal, grosor de pared, cantidad de fibras elásticas y presencia y tamaño de ateroma. La dominancia coronaria derecha fue la más frecuente. La longitud total de los vasos fue de 15,65±1,17 cm para la AIA, de 12,67±2,02 cm para la ACD y 8,79±2,5 cm para la ACX. Los diámetros oscilaron entre los 2,3 mm en los segmentos proximales y entre 1,1 mm a 1,8 mm en los segmentos distales. Los grosores de pared en los segmentos proximales se presentaron entre 354 µm y 396 µm y en los segmentos distales oscilaron entre 120 µm a 305 µm. La cantidad de fibras elásticas demostró que son arterias musculares. El 35% de los ateromas se presentó en la ACX y el 32,5% en la AIA al igual que en la ACD. Los de mayor tamaño se encontraron en los segmentos proximales. Este estudio analizó la morfología y la morfometría de los segmentos de las arterias coronarias que se ocluyen con mayor frecuencia. Los resultados encontrados aporta información sobre los parámetros más significativos que se deben considerar para la elección del injerto vascular en la cirugía de revascularización miocárdica.

First record of Culiseta melanura in Mexico, with additional Mexican records for Aedes sollicitans.

Larvae of Culiseta melanura were collected during June 2001 and January 2002 in Nuevo Leon State, Mexico. This is the first record of this species in Mexico. Female and male adults of Aedes sollicitans were collected during May 1992 and June 1994 in Tamaulipas State and Nuevo Leon State, respectively; adult females of Ae. sollicitans were collected also during 1996 from a resting place in Oaxaca State. These records for Ae. sollicitans supplement previous Mexican records of the species. All specimens were identified through examination of adult females, male genitalia, and associated larval exuviae when available.

Evaluación de las pruebas de madurez fetal en líquido amniótico: perfil de fosfolípidos, prueba de Clements, y prueba de TAP / Evaluation of fetal maturity tests inamniotic fluid: phospholypids profile, Clements' test and TAP tests

En el servicio de Perinatología del Hospital Universitario Dr. José E. González de la U. A. N. L., se revisaron en forma prospectiva 51 estudios de líquido amniótico para determinación de madurez fetal en los que se practicó la prueba de TAP, perfil de fosfolípidos, y prueba de Clements. En este estudio, se obtubieron 37 recién nacidos vivos, en los cuales la edad gestacional fue estimada clínicamente por el método de Ballatrd, investigándose en ellos la presencia, no, de síndrome de insuficiencia respiratoria de la correlación con el perfil de fosfolípidos, 13.3% fueron resultados falsos negativos sin encontrar factores determinantes que alteraran el resultado. Los resultados falsos positivos ocuparon 9.9%. Respecto a la pruebaa de Clements, encontramos que 6.6% fueron falsos positivos, mientras que 41.6% fueron falsos negativos. En relación a la incidencia de síndrome de inbsuficiencia respiratoria, cuando la prueba de TAP fue inmadura, 50% de los productos desarrollaron insuficiencia respiratoria em cambio en los resultados de TAP maduros, tuvimos una incidencia corregida de 0%